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Elbow — Station Approach
Album: Leaders Of The Free World
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1793








Released: 2005
Length: 4:18
Plays (last 30 days): 1
I haven't been myself of late
I haven't slept for several days
But coming home I feel like I
Designed these buildings I walk by

You know you drive me up the wall
I need to see your face that's all
You little sod, I love your eyes
Be everything to me tonight
Be everything to me tonight

I never know what I want but I know when I'm low that I
I need to be in the town where they know what I'm like and don't mind
I never know what I want but I know when I'm low that I
I need to be in the town where they know what I'm like and don't mind

I never know what I want but I know when I'm low that I
I need to be in the town where they know what I'm like and don't mind
I never know what I want but I know when I'm low that I
I need to be in the town where they know what I'm like and don't mind

I never know what I want but I know when I'm low that I
I need to be in the town where they know what I'm like and don't mind
I never know what I want but I know when I'm low that I
I need to be in the town where they know what I'm like and don't mind

The streets are full of goths and Greeks
I haven't seen my mum for weeks
But coming home I feel like I
Designed the buildings I walk by

You know you drive me up the wall
I need to see your face is all
You little sod, I love your eyes
Be everything to me tonight
Be everything to me tonight
Comments (175)add comment
8 -> 9
Not their best, but still an 8.  Elbow are one of the very best bands around, to my ears.
6->7
These guys have slowly become one of my favorite current bands. I came to them relatively late but they've been around since the '90s and have put out 9 albums to date, each one of which is excellent. 
Finding it hard to tell my arse from my elbow
 jkforde wrote:

so well crafted and produced - fyi, Guy's show on BBC 6 Music is class, his musical taste is so like RP's


Found it:   Guy Garvey's Finest Hour  

Thanks!  Look forward to checking it out.


Steven est un pur créatif, merci à lui et merci à RP encore une fois, votre site est une oasis... all the best.
Solidly in the middle  This gets 5 for all the good and bad reasons listed in the comments
 kenslvr wrote:
  I was never a big Genesis fan, Peter Gabrial as a solo artist was........Wait a minute!  This is Elbow? 
 
I had to double-check to see if it was possible I missed a release. I think Peter Gabriel would be flattered.
 IrieTom wrote:


I discovered Elbow because Peter Gabriel covered "mirrorball"
 
Their cover of Mercy Street was so much better than his cover of Mirrorball. That whole project was sadly lopsided in the non-PG camp's favour.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Sooooo tedious. We get it, your music is important but it doesn't have a beat that I can dance to and your raspy vocals have a self-important quality that makes me want to gut punch you. For years rock singers made a conscious effort to connect the sound emitted from their vocal chords to their genitals as if to emphasize the relationship between music and sex.

What are you doing? I listen to your music and become instantly flaccid. Your lyrics may by thoughtful and intelligent but the vessel which you use to transmit them to my brain is like the automobiles of your native country, aesthetically pleasing but seldom effective at the task they were created to perform.
 
Oh dear.  Diddums can't get wood.  Try Viagra bud.
 ThePoose wrote:
Channeling Peter Gabriel
 
And Jimi Goodwin of Doves.
  I was never a big Genesis fan, Peter Gabrial as a solo artist was........Wait a minute!  This is Elbow? 
so well crafted and produced - fyi, Guy's show on BBC 6 Music is class, his musical taste is so like RP's
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Sooooo tedious. We get it, your music is important but it doesn't have a beat that I can dance to and your raspy vocals have a self-important quality that makes me want to gut punch you. For years rock singers made a conscious effort to connect the sound emitted from their vocal chords to their genitals as if to emphasize the relationship between music and sex.

What are you doing? I listen to your music and become instantly flaccid. Your lyrics may by thoughtful and intelligent but the vessel which you use to transmit them to my brain is like the automobiles of your native country, aesthetically pleasing but seldom effective at the task they were created to perform.
 
`As the owner of a Morgan, I'd hafta agree with that last phrase...;-(

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
 ThePoose wrote:
Channeling Peter Gabriel
 

I discovered Elbow because Peter Gabriel covered "mirrorball"
Guy and the boys are incapable of duffness.  That is all.
you little sod, I love your arse
Channeling Peter Gabriel
Brilliant Elbow song.
 passsion8 wrote:
Apparently, one either likes Guy Garvey's voice or not. The band can pretty much do no wrong to my ears.

 
Just don't get how anyone who claims "I appreciate music" can't find the genius — or, at the very least, brilliance — threaded through Elbow's music.

Elbow is one of my treasures at the VERY top of my "Thank you, RP, For Gifting Me With The Discovery Of This Music!" list, which grows monthly.
Good gracious!! What an absolutely outstanding group. smh. I have come to ADORE this group & music. And.. OY!! that voice and phrasing... <3
I have to say that i'm begining loving ELBOW {#Kiss}
Such a good voice and such a good music


                                    E X C R U C I A T I N G

 

Well, I kind of agree with Sasha2001.  Listened to an Elbow "album" on a flight from Bonaire to the USA last week, and was finally overcome by tedium and melancholia.

Now, there's a time and place for melancholy music .... but it is not today, and not here.  (It's OK, Bill; I have the attention span to listen to this without resorting to the PSD button!)
For those of you ripping on Sasha2001's comments, he does have a point about the middle portion of the song. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE Guy Garvey's voice and find all of the band's music very listenable to even marvelous. But when Guy delivers the middle section of the song in basically a monotone, it gets old pretty fast. He totally redeems himself later in the tune, but the middle still kinda sucks.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Sooooo tedious. We get it, your music is important but it doesn't have a beat that I can dance to and your raspy vocals have a self-important quality that makes me want to gut punch you. For years rock singers made a conscious effort to connect the sound emitted from their vocal chords to their genitals as if to emphasize the relationship between music and sex.

What are you doing? I listen to your music and become instantly flaccid. Your lyrics may by thoughtful and intelligent but the vessel which you use to transmit them to my brain is like the automobiles of your native country, aesthetically pleasing but seldom effective at the task they were created to perform.

 
So.
Were you a contestant on American Bandstand?
This is the song that sold me on Elbow. Fantastic.
Apparently, one either likes Guy Garvey's voice or not. The band can pretty much do no wrong to my ears.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Sooooo tedious. We get it, your music is important but it doesn't have a beat that I can dance to and your raspy vocals have a self-important quality that makes me want to gut punch you. For years rock singers made a conscious effort to connect the sound emitted from their vocal chords to their genitals as if to emphasize the relationship between music and sex.

What are you doing? I listen to your music and become instantly flaccid. Your lyrics may by thoughtful and intelligent but the vessel which you use to transmit them to my brain is like the automobiles of your native country, aesthetically pleasing but seldom effective at the task they were created to perform.

  
I far more often just listen to music, rather than dance to it, so "danceability" is way down the list in the ways I consider any song worthy. This sounds fabulous to me both here at my desk and in my car which, by the way, gets me from point A to point B quite efficiently, comfortably, and safely as intended. 

I would suggest that you get a grip, but it appears you have a pretty strong one on something, just not this song, so perhaps I'll just suggest you lighten up a little. Less likely to cause any lasting physical harm.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Sooooo tedious. We <slap>

 
No.  Not "we".  You.  Well, and maybe Hannio.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Sooooo tedious. We get it, your music is important but it doesn't have a beat that I can dance to and your raspy vocals have a self-important quality that makes me want to gut punch you. For years rock singers made a conscious effort to connect the sound emitted from their vocal chords to their genitals as if to emphasize the relationship between music and sex.

What are you doing? I listen to your music and become instantly flaccid. Your lyrics may by thoughtful and intelligent but the vessel which you use to transmit them to my brain is like the automobiles of your native country, aesthetically pleasing but seldom effective at the task they were created to perform.

 
Is this a Russian thing?

I never felt a tingling in my genitals from a male singers voice. Your pitch here smacks of male insecurity, and jealousy of successful rock singers. Your comments smack of self absorption without introspection, as if it's the fault of the musics creator that you can't appreciate the creation. Obviously it's their fault that you want to gut punch them. Couldn't possibly be a problem with your psyche, now could it?
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Sooooo tedious. We get it, your music is important but it doesn't have a beat that I can dance to and your raspy vocals have a self-important quality that makes me want to gut punch you. For years rock singers made a conscious effort to connect the sound emitted from their vocal chords to their genitals as if to emphasize the relationship between music and sex.

What are you doing? I listen to your music and become instantly flaccid. Your lyrics may by thoughtful and intelligent but the vessel which you use to transmit them to my brain is like the automobiles of your native country, aesthetically pleasing but seldom effective at the task they were created to perform.

 

Thank you for perfectly capturing my feelings towards this song.


 yofitofu wrote:
It's amazing how Peter Gabriel like this band is.

 
+1
Absolutely spot-on musical/lyrical depiction of coming home.

I am quite appalled/amazed to read how negative the comments on this song/band are. Some of my fellow listeners, I am disappointed to have to say, are not very nice people. Ah well, at least they're listening to a great radio station.
Very good song from a very worthwhile album. 'Mexican Standoff' is my fave off that one... Witty, self-deprecating, unique.
THERE IS A HIGH PITCHED NOISE ON THIS TRACK THAT HURTS MY HEAD............{#Confused}
Sooooo tedious. We get it, your music is important but it doesn't have a beat that I can dance to and your raspy vocals have a self-important quality that makes me want to gut punch you. For years rock singers made a conscious effort to connect the sound emitted from their vocal chords to their genitals as if to emphasize the relationship between music and sex.

What are you doing? I listen to your music and become instantly flaccid. Your lyrics may by thoughtful and intelligent but the vessel which you use to transmit them to my brain is like the automobiles of your native country, aesthetically pleasing but seldom effective at the task they were created to perform.
I have liked Elbow. But this is.... is... just minimalist noodling.

Radiohead with a rather more pleasant vocal, and mere ennui substituted for RH's suicidal depression.
 joelbb wrote:
What Emo pissoir did these pap-meisters crawl out of?  This sucks so hard it's creating a vortex and spawning little whirlwinds on my desk.

 
Yeah but did you like it? I think little whirlwinds on my desktop would be wicked. 
I think I like it....have to hear it again.
 ColdBear wrote:
They are atheists in USA ? Seen from Europe, it seems very unlikely ! 
Glad you are so, hope you are numerous !

spaceman wrote:
I'm rating this "Godlike" and I want to write "Thank God for bands like Elbow"... but I'm an atheist. I guess I need a new vocabulary. Anyway, this band is divine.
 


Spaceman was writing from Austria, according to his profile.  People outside the U.S. sometimes forget how large it is.  For example, I don't think there are likely too many atheists in Turkey either (part of the EU?), yet its distance from you (France) is only about 2/3 that from Los Angeles to New York.  Religion in the US, generally speaking, follows that of the two main political parties, so you can look at a political map to get somewhat of a picture of religion in the US.  My GUESS would be that about 50-60% of Democrats (blue on the map) would call themselves atheists, while only about 5-10% of Republicans (red on the map) would accept that label.  You will see that Democrats/Atheists tend to migrate along the coastal states and other non-coastal cities, whereas the god-fearing are everywhere else.  I imagine it is much the same in France between the cities and countryside.
It's amazing how Peter Gabriel like this band is.
What Emo pissoir did these pap-meisters crawl out of?  This sucks so hard it's creating a vortex and spawning little whirlwinds on my desk.
 
They are atheists in USA ? Seen from Europe, it seems very unlikely ! 
Glad you are so, hope you are numerous !
spaceman wrote:
I'm rating this "Godlike" and I want to write "Thank God for bands like Elbow"... but I'm an atheist. I guess I need a new vocabulary. Anyway, this band is divine.

 


BusinessGypsy;

The Road has no memory, except the one you brought with you.

The dream of "Someplace you belong, where people care about you" is a romantic definition of "family"

"Where they have to take you in"... In real life, very few people actually care about you.  Whenever one gets that romantic feeling, leave your money at home... then you will find out -exactly- who cares, who remembers, and why... Growing up is hard work... Perhaps that's why so many prefer to avoid it. 

  
      


  Businessgypsy wrote:
 Marley wrote:
... It's about coming back to the place you belong, where the people you care about and who care about you are...
Nice post, Marley. Not having anything resembling a root, the image is just theory for me - but very pleasant nonetheless. I imagine Portland is about as close as I get to a spiritual home, but sometimes it's hard to take the reality disconnect that's so pervasive there.

The road, on the other hand, is always forgiving and full of wonder.


 

Great song, great band and even better live....

{#Clap} 
love this.
 Marley wrote:
... It's about coming back to the place you belong, where the people you care about and who care about you are...
Nice post, Marley. Not having anything resembling a root, the image is just theory for me - but very pleasant nonetheless. I imagine Portland is about as close as I get to a spiritual home, but sometimes it's hard to take the reality disconnect that's so pervasive there.

The road, on the other hand, is always forgiving and full of wonder.


Just changed my rating from 8 to 10.  I love the building in this song.  Just fantastic. Love it and the associations that go with it.

 spaceman wrote:
I'm rating this "Godlike" and I want to write "Thank God for bands like Elbow"... but I'm an atheist. I guess I need a new vocabulary. Anyway, this band is divine.

 
second.

I'm rating this "Godlike" and I want to write "Thank God for bands like Elbow"... but I'm an atheist. I guess I need a new vocabulary. Anyway, this band is divine.

 raga wrote:

Just arrived the extended version, I suggest you also the 3 disc version of Asleep in the Back


 
whoa - i had no idea it existed!!

thx for the heads up.. i actually own the reg version of asleep in the back & will definitely be getting the 3 disc version!

elbow in my mind is a cross between radiohead and seal.

 bachbeet wrote:
I really like what I've heard from this group.  I went to Amazon and think I'll get Seldom Seen Kid.
 

Just arrived the extended version, I suggest you also the 3 disc version of Asleep in the Back


wind up beetle
 woozurbuddy wrote:
Think of them as a tribute band.
 
I don't get this.  Tribute to whom?  Or to what?  Elbow has a very original sound, perhaps not on a song-by-song basis, but certainly considering their work as a whole.

I really like what I've heard from this group.  I went to Amazon and think I'll get Seldom Seen Kid.
 lmic wrote:
A song for true lovers of cities, conflating eroticism and architecture. I love it.

You little sod, I love your eyes...
Be everything to me tonight
...
<...>
I need to be in a town
Where they know what I like and don't like
...
 
Actually, the line is

I need to be in a town
Where they know what I'm like and don't mind.


Guy wrote this about taking the train back to Manchester after being gone on tour for a long time. It's about coming back to the place you belong, where the people you care about and who care about you are, after being away..

But coming home I feel like I
Designed the buildings I walk by



More Elbow please!
Saw them live a few years back. They really know how to put on a great show.
{#Dance}
 leathepea wrote:
Really like this band, nice mellow creative sound. Makes me want to burn one and draw....
 

Stupid random testing =(
New Elbow (to me).  Nice.
A song for true lovers of cities, conflating eroticism and architecture. I love it.

You little sod, I love your eyes...
Be everything to me tonight
...
<...>
I need to be in a town
Where they know what I like and don't like
...
 Marley wrote:
This time in exactly 3 weeks I will be standing before them at the Wiltern Theater in LA. I can't wait!!
 
Lucky You! {#Yes}
jonahboo wrote:
MORE LIKE ARMPIT{#Tongue}

Ha Ha!!

Marley wrote:
This time in exactly 3 weeks I will be standing before them at the Wiltern Theater in LA. I can't wait!!

My condolences.

This time in exactly 3 weeks I will be standing before them at the Wiltern Theater in LA. I can't wait!!
I hear a bit of the Beatles in this one. Nice indeed.
 CaptainPicard wrote:

Had the same feeling first time I heard Elbow. Thought is was Mr. Gabriel himself. No matter: Elbow is great.

 

That they are....
Yep — Peter Gabriel should sue.
I guess Knee Cap was taken.
MORE LIKE ARMPIT{#Tongue}
"Peter Gabrielesque"
 

Just what I was thinking. There is a remarkable vocal similarity. Worthy of further exploration.
Holy crap, I think I'm in love. Wow.
Really like this band, nice mellow creative sound. Makes me want to burn one and draw....
 rez wrote:
Great to hear Elbow on RP. This is one of their best tracks IMHO. Always thought Guy sounded like Peter Gabriel (which is what got me listening to them in the first place).
 
Had the same feeling first time I heard Elbow. Thought is was Mr. Gabriel himself. No matter: Elbow is great.

 goldberry wrote:
Wow. Just discovered this band. Amazing.....
Quite good. Yes.
  True, that.


Checked the tour schedule and ... guess what ... just missed a gig in a nearby city.

What a shame {#Frustrated}
After years of relative obscurity, Elbow last month won 'Best Band' in the Mercury Awards - Britain's biggest music awards ceremony.
Well done to RP for spotting their talent before everyone else...! {#Clap}
Great to hear Elbow on RP. This is one of their best tracks IMHO. Always thought Guy sounded like Peter Gabriel (which is what got me listening to them in the first place).
lmic wrote:
Yes! A musical onomotopoeia - the swaying, full-bodied drone of a commuter train... Evokes riding the LIRR into NYC!
After moving to Japan, I know exactly what feeling you are hinting at. Riding the rush hour Keihan to Osaka can be an experience indeed...
Wow. Just discovered this band. Amazing..... Quite good. Yes.
"I need to be in the town where they know what I'm like and don't mind" Anyone that has lived somewhere else than home has to love this song
This song makes me want to financially support Radio Paradise (that, and a shot at a trip to Costa Rica). Seriously, love this song, and I think I'm gonna love the band. Thanks, RP!
Love Elbow! Thanks RP!
veloceleste wrote:
When the chanting segment segued into the industrial drums, I wet my pants.
Yup, GREAT buildup.
EssexTex wrote:
Did he just sing "You little sod I love yer arse"?
I think it's "You little sod, I love your eyes". I think a good northern lad would say "bum".
Did he just sing "You little sod I love yer arse"?
veloceleste wrote:
When the chanting segment segued into the industrial drums, I wet my pants.
When you wet your pants I started chanting.
One of the most underrated bands in the world. Phenomenal live too.
When the chanting segment segued into the industrial drums, I wet my pants.
EssexTex wrote:
Peter Gabriel..esk....but without the tribal drums
Weird thing is, I've had an Elbow album for a couple of years now and listened to it extensively, but until I read this, I never heard a Peter Gabriel comparison. But NOW I do. Strange. Obviously his voice alone. Edit: I went back and listened to a few other songs. He normally has a warble effect going on that is absent in this song. I blame that ;)
Inamorato wrote:
I'm with you on this song. It's excellent on every level. Raised my rating to a 9. 9 for me also. tres bon!
Big discover thank to RP Great album!
Huh? Whatcha say? Don't chew yer food when ya talk at the table, Tex! "Peter Gabrielesque" Oh. Okay. EssexTex wrote:
Peter Gabriel..esk....but without the tribal drums
Peter Gabriel..esk....but without the tribal drums
rosedraws wrote:
Whew... finally. A guy's voice. Ahhhhhhhh.
i'm with you. love elbow. good stuff.
Francis Dunnery sings the Genesis songbook. What could be bad?
\"I nearly lost you there\" d\'oh, I\'ve already compared that intro
Don't know this band, but regarding the song - how unique, yet how irritating!!! monotone, mumbling crap.
This band doesn't seem to inspire fans as much as zealots, and while they're pretty good I'm not sure I get what the uber-fandom is all about. Anyone got suggestions of other must-hear Elbow? I don't know my ass from it.
DownHomeGirl wrote:
I just popped in here to say that it sounds like Peter Gabriel. But you guys already covered it.
Like it though. A little hypnotic.
I just popped in here to say that it sounds like Peter Gabriel. But you guys already covered it.
ranwulf wrote:
Sounds like Peter Gabriel.
Thought the exact thing.
Sounds like Peter Gabriel.
I really like this one. it grew on me. i found it following me around at night while walking around the city...
jiiiivee talkin'....
xkolibuul wrote:
Sorry, but no, no and no. This song creates and sustains a mesmerizing groove that is resonantly compelling. A superior work of songcraft. This one absolutely belongs here.
I'm with you on this song. It's excellent on every level. Raised my rating to a 9.
Sorry, but no, no and no. This song creates and sustains a mesmerizing groove that is resonantly compelling. A superior work of songcraft. This one absolutely belongs here. Cornelia wrote:
agreed. this song is a droning, anticlimactic mess skyrunr wrote:
I usually don't take the time to comment on songs, but this one sucks. RP should remove it. Monotone voice, unventful key changes, and dull lyrics. His voice reminds me of Tom Petty or David Byrne. But they sound unique, hit notes, have great lyrics, and each song is complete different from the rest.
I thought this was a slow cover of something... screaming trees...nearly lost you?
Cybrid wrote:
I think that's a musical analogy to the feeling the singer is getting as his train approaches Manchester Picadilly - hence closer to home. I used to do the same train journey home, so I know how he feels :)
Wow, that was way more thought than I put into it, but I am sure you are right.
celadonstone wrote:
Personally, I prefer the soundtrack to Koyaanisqatsi... I just noticed that Elbow can also spell below and bowel.Not a good sign.
Also E Blow, Be Owl, Low E.B.
Excellent
Cybrid wrote:
I think that's a musical analogy to the feeling the singer is getting as his train approaches Manchester Picadilly <..>
Yes! A musical onomotopoeia - the swaying, full-bodied drone of a commuter train... Evokes riding the LIRR into NYC!
Wow! This guy sounds so much like Peter Gabriel.
Darkmatter wrote:
I love the crescendo at the end, it feels like lifting off the ground!
I think that's a musical analogy to the feeling the singer is getting as his train approaches Manchester Picadilly - hence closer to home. I used to do the same train journey home, so I know how he feels :)
agreed. this song is a droning, anticlimactic mess skyrunr wrote:
I usually don't take the time to comment on songs, but this one sucks. RP should remove it. Monotone voice, unventful key changes, and dull lyrics. His voice reminds me of Tom Petty or David Byrne. But they sound unique, hit notes, have great lyrics, and each song is complete different from the rest.
Personally, I prefer the soundtrack to Koyaanisqatsi... I just noticed that Elbow can also spell below and bowel.Not a good sign. I hope other songs are better than this one.
I usually don't take the time to comment on songs, but this one sucks. RP should remove it. Monotone voice, unventful key changes, and dull lyrics. His voice reminds me of Tom Petty or David Byrne. But they sound unique, hit notes, have great lyrics, and each song is complete different from the rest. "i know what i want, but i know when i go, that i, that i need to be in a town where they, know what i'm like" zzzzzz I can't believe the comments on the bass line. It is literally two notes played on the 1/2 beat. I'll agree that Peter Gabriel WAS amazing. Just like Sting WAS.